FCT YOUTH SECRETARIAT SEEKS MINISTERIAL APPROVAL TO REVIVE AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING CORPS MEMBERS.

  ….Exceptional Community Development Project by Corps Member Rekindles Recognition Initiative in the FCT.

By Darlington Omotoso

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Youth and Sports Development Secretariat has initiated steps to secure ministerial approval for the revival of awards for outstanding National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, following the presentation of an exceptional Personal Community Development Service (CDS) project executed by Corps Member Dr. Ohwofasa Mamuyovwi Edwin (FC/25A/2500).

The move was announced during a strategic meeting between officials of the NYSC FCT Secretariat and the management of the FCT Youth and Sports Development Secretariat held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Office of the Mandate Secretary, Cyprian Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Sports and Overseer of the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Luka Istifanus, described the project as one of the most impactful Personal CDS initiatives witnessed in recent years in the FCT. He noted that the scale and sustainability of the intervention justified efforts to restore the ministerial awards scheme for deserving corps members.

According to him, the project executed by Dr. Ohwofasa was beyond the scope of what many local governments could undertake without significant budgetary provisions.

“The project executed by the corps member is one that most Local Governments cannot undertake without budgetary allocations and subventions. It is indeed a laudable project deserving of commendation and recognition,” he stated.

Mr. Istifanus assured the NYSC delegation that the Secretariat would activate all necessary administrative processes to facilitate the recommendation of the corps member for ministerial recognition. He also commended the leadership of the NYSC FCT Secretariat under the State Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, for promoting excellence and impactful service among corps members deployed to the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr. Ohwofasa, who served at the National Hospital, Abuja, and was a member of the Gender Vanguard CDS Group, implemented a comprehensive community development project that transformed the Wasa Community, including Wasa 2 and Wasa 3 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camps.

The project provided solar-powered water facilities, rural electrification, and a free healthcare initiative that benefited residents of the community. As part of the intervention, the corps member also rehabilitated a public toilet facility, organized free medical outreach services for secondary school students and residents of Wasa and surrounding communities, and distributed dental care products to promote oral hygiene and preventive healthcare.

Earlier, the NYSC FCT State Coordinator, Mr. Samson Ateli, briefed the meeting on the NYSC honours award system and the rigorous assessment criteria used in selecting outstanding corps members. He explained that award considerations begin from the orientation camp and extend through participation in camp activities, performance at the Place of Primary Assignment (PPA), involvement in Community Development Service activities, and the successful execution of approved Personal CDS projects.

Mr. Ateli disclosed that Dr. Ohwofasa distinguished himself throughout his service year. Beyond his active participation in orientation camp activities and service in the camp clinic, he demonstrated exceptional professionalism at his Place of Primary Assignment while remaining committed to CDS activities.

He noted that the corps member’s Personal CDS project stood out because of its direct and measurable impact on the host community, particularly in the areas of healthcare, access to clean water, rural electrification and sanitation.

“Corps members who make meaningful impacts in their host communities deserve to be recognised. Based on the quality and impact of this project, the corps member is being recommended for the FCT Minister’s Award,” Mr. Ateli said.

Also speaking, the Director of Youth Development, Mr. Musa Mamman Lai, expressed satisfaction with the project and called for its immediate processing to the Office of the Honourable Minister of State, FCT. He described the recommendation as both timely and significant, noting that projects of such magnitude had become increasingly rare in recent years.

Mr. Lai urged officials to ensure that all required documentation was completed promptly to facilitate ministerial consideration and approval.

The meeting concluded with a consensus that recognising exceptional corps members would not only reward excellence but also encourage other young Nigerians serving in the FCT to undertake impactful community-based initiatives. Participants expressed optimism that the revival of the honours award scheme would strengthen the developmental objectives of the NYSC and promote a culture of selfless service, innovation and sustainable community transformation among corps members.